RICHARD MENSAH, DIRECTOR & FINANCIAL COORDINATOR

Richard Mensah is the Director and Financial Coordinator of the Empower Challenged Children Foundation (ECC). As the Director, Richard oversees five key programs designed to enhance the lives of children with disabilities. He plays a pivotal role in building partnerships with local organizations, ensuring that ECC’s initiatives are impactful and sustainable. Additionally, he organizes and hosts monthly meetings that provide a platform for community engagement and education, fostering a supportive environment for parents and caregivers. In his role as Financial Coordinator, Richard brings extensive expertise in financial planning and fundraising. He manages the foundation’s financial resources, ensuring that funds are allocated efficiently and effectively to support ECC’s programs. Richard meticulously tracks financial transactions, prepares budgets, and provides regular updates to donors, enhancing transparency and trust in the organization’s operations.

With a background as a practicing physical therapist at Cape Coast Central Regional Hospital, Richard is uniquely qualified to lead ECC. He holds a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree from the Physiotherapy and Orthotic Training School, where he developed a deep understanding of the therapeutic needs of children with disabilities. His clinical experience informs his leadership, allowing him to advocate effectively for quality care and innovative therapeutic practices within the community.

NICOLE JOHNSEN, FOUNDER & ASSITANT DIRECTOR

Nicole Johnsen is the Founder of the Empower Challenged Children Foundation (ECC). Her journey began during a month of volunteer work at Cape Coast Teaching Hospital in Ghana, where she encountered parents of disabled children who faced profound challenges due to social and cultural stigmas. Moved by their stories and determination for change, she dedicated herself to understanding their experiences, documenting their children’s journeys, and collaborating with hospital officials to create ECC. Upon her return to the United States, Nicole leveraged her six years of graphic design expertise to develop ECC’s website, campaign platforms, and branding.

As the former Nonprofit Director, she coordinated fundraisers, managed campaign initiatives, and ensured financial goals were met. Under her leadership, ECC raised over $10,000 through diverse fundraising efforts, engaging more than 150 donors, including a Ghanaian member of Parliament. Nicole played a pivotal role in collaborating with Cape Coast Teaching Hospital and local leaders to implement five significant programs, improving access to physical therapy and education for children with disabilities. After two gap years devoted to ECC, Nicole transitioned to her role as assitant director as she embarked on her medical school journey at UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, where she continues to advocate for the foundation’s mission.